We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Nangano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Many people may not realize the amount of behind-the-scenes work involved in being a food influencer, such as food styling, photography, and editing. Additionally, building and maintaining a strong online presence requires consistent content creation, engagement with followers, and networking with brands. It’s not just about eating delicious food and posting pictures—it’s a job with its own set of challenges and responsibilities.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My Instagram page came to life because I had a flair for reviewing my dining experiences on Yelp – especially the photography aspect of the review. I started the Instagram account so I could showcase the photos to the community. As Instagram has evolved, I did as well by keeping updated on current trends, and adapting my content to fit the viewers needs.

Every time I dine out or collaborate with a brand, I learn something new. Sometimes the experiences are positive but occasionally there are hiccups, and I usually gain knowledge from the experience. As far as it being easy, I would just just say you have to be consistent.

What I like best about being a food influencer is I enjoy using my platform to share my passion for culinary experiences. My sense of humor and perspective while presenting the information is what makes me unique.
I like inspiring/influencing others to explore places they may have not yet tried. also love connecting with a local food loving community and meeting new people while doing it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?Exploring the Jersey Shore during summertime is fantastic! Each spot offers its own unique charm and attractions. In Atlantic City, you can enjoy the vibrant boardwalk, casinos, and beachfront entertainment. Long Beach Island boasts beautiful beaches and quaint beach towns perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun. Asbury Park is known for its artistic vibe, lively boardwalk, and iconic music scene, while Red Bank offers charming streets lined with shops, eateries, and cultural attractions. Your visitor will surely have a memorable experience exploring these diverse destinations along the Jersey Shore!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My daughter, Devyn, is an incredible source of inspiration and support. Although she is away at college, she attends the university of Florida. I look forward to when she is home to accompany me to different spots, and she also happens to be my best photographer.

Instagram: FoodaholicNJ

Yelp: Jennifer N

Youtube: FoodaholicNJ1

Other: TikTok FoodaholicNJ

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.